Goud, Parida give Railways the upper hand

A fine spell of incisive bowling by off spinner Kulamani Parida helped Railways' reduce Uttar Pradesh to 98 for 5. Earlier a fine unbeaten century by Yere Goud rescued the visitors who ended their first innings at 234 on the second day of their Central Zone Ranji trophy match at the Sports Stadium in Meerut on Tuesday.

Resuming at the overnight score of 153 for 7, Yere Goud continued to hold the fort for Railways. During a 66 run eight wicket stand with Parida (20), Yere Goud produced a innings of substance and while reaching his century ensured that his team crossed the 200 run mark. During a 455 minute stay, Goud faced 314 balls for 125 runs. But after the departure of Parida, Goud was left stranded as he ran out of partners in quick succession.

In reply, Uttar Pradesh made a slow start with openers M Mudgal (15) and Jyoti P Yadav (21) adding 22 runs in 16.4 overs. Mudgal was the first to be dismissed bowled by Tejender Pal Singh. But Uttar Pradesh were really pegged on the back foot when Parida was introduced into the attack. With the score reading 48 for 1, Parida got his first wictim in Jyoti Yadav when he had him caught by Abhay Sharma. Four balls later he bowled Mohd Kaif (10) to leave the hosts at 48 for 3. New batsmen Mohd Saif (4) did not last long and in the 38th over, Parida shattered his defences.

Parida was not finished yet as he came back the very next over to bowl Parvinder Singh (3). But thereafter Skipper Gynender Pandey (25) and Rizwan Shamshed (18) ensured no further hiccups for UP.